Mbabane – Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, revealed Eswatini’s pioneering proposal at the African Union (AU) Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration, an initiative aimed at using government procurement to accelerate industrialisation across the continent.
Speaking today at the financing focus update on the Ministry of Finance Facebook page, Rijkenberg said he is the current chair of the AU Ministers of Finance. He outlined Eswatini’s “Right of Supply” concept, an innovative strategy designed to promote intra-African trade and boost industrial productivity by granting participating countries the first right to supply specific goods and services to other African governments.
Under the proposal, each of Africa’s 54 countries would be matched with products they are best positioned to manufacture based on their raw materials, skills, and infrastructure. For example, Zambia could focus on copper products, Nigeria on ICT equipment, and South Africa on vehicles. Once matched, those countries would hold the right to supply these goods to other African governments, provided they meet equivalent price, quality, and service standards.
Rijkenberg explained that about one-third of the continent’s US$3 trillion trade volume involves government and state-owned entity purchases, representing a powerful lever to drive local production and job creation.
“We are exporting raw materials and importing value-added goods,” he said. “Through this plan, we can reverse that by ensuring the jobs stay on the continent.”
The “Right of Supply” plan also aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), seeking to fast-track its implementation by creating structured demand for African-made products. Countries will be encouraged not forced to participate, with the flexibility to join voluntarily at later stages.
To ensure fair and sustainable growth, the plan proposes a gradual rollout, starting with 10 percent local content in the first year and increasing by 10 percent annually until full production occurs within Africa. Intellectual property rights from international partners will be protected, but the focus will remain on retaining industrial jobs within the continent.
Eswatini, with the endorsement of the AU and support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), has been mandated to develop the detailed framework for the initiative. Once complete, the proposal is expected to be formally launched at a forthcoming AU summit potentially hosted in Eswatini with His Majesty King Mswati III presiding over the unveiling.
“I truly believe this plan can transform our economies,” said Rijkenberg. “It’s about creating sustainable jobs, reducing imports, and ensuring that Africa’s wealth works for Africans.”
